Urumqi, the capital of Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, a glistening pearl in China's remote northwest, is also Asia's geological heart, attracting generations of settlers from all across the country or even the world. In the past two hundred plus years, these settlers have built Urumqi from a pasture into a regional economic, political and cultural center. No other cities in world are so closely linked to the snowcaps; no other cities in the world are so distant from the ocean, but still tolerate a variety of different cultures.

From the Persian merchants who came to the east along the Silk Road to the Tianjin peddlers who marched with General Zuo Zongtang's troops to the place, Urumqi has attracted people with diverse backgrounds since its first day of existence. A potpourri of cultures has contributed significantly to the development and glamour of the heart of the Asia.

 Brief introduction

 The most distant city from the ocean

 Erdaoqiao Market

 Asia's Geological Center

 Red Hill

 Southern Pasture or White Poplar Valley

 Shaanxi Mosque

 Southern Mosque

 Tartar Mosque

 Xinjiang Museum

These are just some of the many treasures that Urumqi has for tourists and adventurers. With something for everyone, a stay in Urumqi will prove memorable for people of all backgrounds. After all, the city is a potpourri of diverse and vibrant ethnicities as well as natural wonders.

(Author: Jeff)

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